Halton Region Detects Potent Synthetic Opioid in Drug Supply, Health Alert Issued

Halton Region residents are being warned after public health officials detected nitazene, a highly potent synthetic opioid, in the region’s unregulated drug supply.

The warning is pointed because nitazenes can be more toxic than fentanyl and are often mixed with other substances, increasing the risk of poisoning. For people who use opioids, and for the family and friends who may be nearby in an emergency, Halton Region Public Health is urging immediate precautions.

Nitazene detected in Halton

Halton Region Public Health says nitazene has been detected in the local unregulated drug supply, prompting concern about counterfeit opioids circulating in the region.

Dr. Patrick Galange, Halton Region’s associate medical officer of health, described the situation in stark terms.

“The presence of counterfeit opioids containing nitazene in Halton Region is extremely concerning,” Galange said.

Public health officials say the concern is not only that nitazene is highly potent. It is also that nitazenes are often mixed with other substances, which can make the risk of poisoning harder to predict for people who use drugs from the unregulated supply.

“Opioids are a class of drugs that can cause life-threatening overdoses, especially when used outside of their prescribed or recommended amounts,” Galange said.

Overdoses may be harder to reverse

Halton Region Public Health is warning that overdoses involving nitazene may be more difficult to reverse than other opioid poisonings.

Officials say these overdoses can require repeated doses of naloxone and longer monitoring. Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, but the health unit’s warning makes clear that one dose may not be enough when nitazene is involved.

Galange said consumption of nitazene “may require more naloxone and a longer period of monitoring.”

That message is aimed not just at people who use opioids, but also at friends, relatives and others who may be first to recognize that something is wrong.

“Anyone who uses opioids, along with their family and friends, should carry naloxone, know the early signs of an overdose, and call 911 immediately if they suspect one,” Galange said.

What public health is urging

Halton Region Public Health is urging people who use opioids, and those close to them, to carry naloxone, learn the early signs of an overdose and call 911 immediately if they suspect one.

Officials also advised that opioids should only be taken as prescribed by health-care providers.

The warning reflects the added danger posed by counterfeit opioids containing nitazene. Because nitazenes can be more toxic than fentanyl and may be mixed with other substances, public health officials are emphasizing preparation before an emergency happens.

For families and friends, the advice is direct: have naloxone available, understand what an overdose can look like in its early stages and treat any suspected poisoning as a medical emergency.

Naloxone access in Halton

Naloxone kits are available through Halton Region clinics and Halton Region Harm Reduction Services.

Public health officials are encouraging people who use opioids, as well as their family and friends, to make sure they have a kit on hand. The health unit’s message is especially urgent because overdoses involving nitazene may need repeated naloxone doses and longer monitoring.

According to Halton Hills Today, Halton Region Public Health was advised through the region’s opioid overdose early warning system that counterfeit opioids had been seized from a north Halton residence.

For Halton Region, the public health alert is a warning about a drug supply that has become more dangerous and less predictable. For residents, the practical advice is immediate: carry naloxone, know the signs, call 911 and use opioids only as prescribed by health-care providers.

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